Is your family well ?" The Chinaman was reassured by the friendly tone of his visitors, and ventured to step in.

He at once saw that the food which he had prepared for himself had disappeared.
"Melican man eat John's dinner," he remarked in a tone of disappointment.
"So we have, John," said Mr.Bickford.

"The fact is, we were hungry--hadn't had any breakfast." "Suppose Melican man eat--he pay," said the Chinaman.
"That's all right," said Joe; "we are willing to pay.

How much do you want ?" The Chinaman named his price, which was not unreasonable, and it was cheerfully paid.
"Have you got some more bread and rice, John ?" asked Mr.Bickford.
"We'd like to buy some and take it along." They succeeded in purchasing a small supply--enough with economy to last a day or two.

This was felt as a decided relief.